Italy, which saw its Covid-19 death toll on Thursday overtake that of China where the disease was first reported, on Friday reported another huge spike in fatalities which have now crossed 4,000.

In the last 24 hours, the country recorded 627 deaths - the largest number so far - taking its total to 4,032, as per officials, the BBC reported.

It has been the worst week so far for Italy, which recorded 300 plus deaths for three days running since Sunday, 400 plus for the next two days and now, crossed 600.

The number of confirmed cases in the virus-ravaged country have risen to 47,021, despite severe restrictions on people’s movement. The country’s health service is under huge strain.

Meanwhile, Spain became the fourth country after Italy, China and Iran to record over 1,000 coronavirus deaths far. Another 235 fatalities in the last 24 hours have taken its total to 1,002, the BBC said.

Almost 20,000 people have contracted the virus but 1,588 have recovered.

However, its neighbour, Portugal has had just six deaths, with 1,020 people testing positive so far.

Switzerland has begun emerging as another area of concern.

Health Minister Alain Berset Friday warned that the country “had its back to the wall” and sought co-operation from every single citizen follow the announced restrictions.

Groups of five or more are banned, everyone must stay at home except to shop or work in essential services.

In a population of 8.57 million, Switzerland has seen 4,840 cases and 43 deaths.

With all shops, schools, and restaurants closed, the government has announced a $40 bn package to support businesses and workers, including apprentices and part-timers.

Over 86,000 infected people recover globally

Amid the panic over the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has put cities after cities under full or partial lockdowns, John Hopkins University’s coronavirus resource centre says that over 86,000 infected patients have been recovered to date.

In Hubei, China which is the original epicenter, 58,382 people have recovered so far; in Iran, 5,979 infected people have been recovered and in Italy, 4,440 people are now coronavirus-free.

Over 1,540 have been recovered in South Korea; 1,323 have been recovered in Guangdong China and 1,107 have been recovered in Spain.

In the US, 121 people have been recovered while in Germany, the number is 115 as of now. In the UK, 65 infected people have been recovered and sent home.

Currently, there are total 246,275 confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally while the death toll has crossed 10,000. Over 1,00,000 people across Europe have tested positive for COVID-19 so far, prompting European governments to unleash fresh measures.

In India, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases has crossed 200 and four death have been reported so far.

Italy has become the worst coronavirus-hit country with its death toll overtaking that of China, where the disease was first reported late last year.